Importance of the CVE matrix for cybersecurity
The industry operates under the influence of Common Vulnerabilities and Exposures (CVE). Each security update released by various vendors addresses specific software flaws that could be exploited. These publicly acknowledged flaws are assigned a CVE designator along with associated parameters such as type, severity, and CVSS score. These parameters are crucial for assessing the risk to network and computing assets, ultimately guiding the prioritisation of security updates or patches. The CVE has become a central organising principle, with its resolution serving as a benchmark for measuring effectiveness. Vulnerability scanners have long been employed to identify potential software vulnerabilities in operational systems. They not only confirm best practices for configuration options but also search for indicators of vulnerability linked to CVE. With CVE information, organisations can identify and apply necessary patches.
In recent years, there has been a push for vendors to provide a Software Bill of Materials (SBOM) for their products. An SBOM offers a comprehensive list of all files associated with a specific version of software, providing insights into its security state. For instance, the versions of third-party libraries can be cross-referenced with reported CVEs to determine if patches are needed. While the SBOM is not directly actionable, it can be integrated into the CVE matrix for better risk management. The ongoing discourse around cyberattacks highlights the importance of CVEs, as articles frequently detail exploited vulnerabilities and the associated costs of recovery and reputation loss. The emerging concept of adjusting cyberattack payouts based on an organisation’s patching efficiency underscores the necessity of maintaining a robust patch management programme. In a risk-based environment, organisations must be prepared to address the continuous flow of software updates and vulnerabilities effectively.
